DVIPS – converting DVI files to PostScript files

When latex is run, it produces a file with the extension DVI (for Device Independent), which completely encodes the formatted document, with the exception of the image files. A separate application is needed to view or print the document, or to convert the DVI file to a standard document format. The LaTeX application most often used for this purpose is DVIPS, which converts a DVI file to a PostScript (PS) file.
 

The utility DVIPS has numerous options to control various aspects of the PS file that it creates. The defaults depend on how LaTeX is installed on your system. To make sure that these options are set appropriately for your intended use, it is wise to explicitly specify them.

To summarize the following sections, it is a good idea to use the DVIPS options “-t letter -P pdf” for letter paper, and “-t a4 -P pdf”, for A4 paper. In addition, if you use the times package, append the option list with -G0 (G zero).

If you execute DVIPS through a command line, the above options are included at the end of the command. In applications designed for window-based systems, e.g., Windows and the Mac OS, the DVI viewer may be based on DVIPS. In such applications, the DVIPS options can usually be specified. Check with your system administrator or read the manuals for your installation.

It is advisable to use the same paper-size option in DVIPS as specified in the documentclass command in the LaTeX source file. The DVIPS option “-t” specifies paper size. For (USA) letter paper (8.5 in. X 11 in.), use the option “-t letter”; for A4 paper, use “-t a4”.